Which Texas colleges don't require essays for admission?
I'm looking at applying to several schools in Texas, but honestly, writing a ton of essays for each one feels overwhelming, especially on top of my regular senior year workload. I'm hoping to find some Texas colleges that don't ask for any essays as part of the application process (apart from the general ApplyTexas stuff, if possible).
Does anyone know which universities in Texas either make essays optional or don't require them at all? If you've applied to any yourself, I'd love to hear what the process was like and if skipping the essay changed anything about your experience. For context, I'm mainly looking at public universities but am open to suggestions. It would be super helpful also to know if not submitting an essay affects scholarship options or honors programs. Any info or advice would be appreciated!
Does anyone know which universities in Texas either make essays optional or don't require them at all? If you've applied to any yourself, I'd love to hear what the process was like and if skipping the essay changed anything about your experience. For context, I'm mainly looking at public universities but am open to suggestions. It would be super helpful also to know if not submitting an essay affects scholarship options or honors programs. Any info or advice would be appreciated!
2 weeks ago
•
49 views
Camille L.
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
There are several Texas public universities where you can apply without submitting additional essays, especially if you’re mainly using the ApplyTexas application. Some of the notable options where essays are either optional or not required for general admission include:
1. Texas State University: Essays are optional for most applicants. If you meet the assured admission criteria (based on class rank and test scores), you typically don't need to submit an essay. I had a friend apply here and she only filled out the main application, no extra writing needed.
2. University of Houston: For most freshman applicants, the essay is optional. They focus on your transcript and test scores (if you submit them). However, if you're borderline for admission or applying to selective programs, submitting an essay can help your case.
3. Sam Houston State University: No required essay for undergraduate admission. Their application is pretty straightforward and quick to complete.
4. University of North Texas: Essays aren't required for general admission. They do recommend submitting one if your academic record needs extra explanation, but it’s not mandatory.
5. Stephen F. Austin State University: No essays are necessary for most freshman applicants. You can just submit the application and transcripts.
A few things to keep in mind: Some scholarships, honors colleges, or competitive programs at these schools may still require separate essays or short answer responses even if the general admission doesn't. It's a good idea to check the scholarship/departmental application sections individually. For example, UH's Honors College and major scholarships require essays.
Even if an essay is optional, submitting one could strengthen your application, especially if you're on the edge academically. But if you're meeting assured admission criteria, it’s not needed.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, start by making a list of which schools require essays for their specific programs or scholarships. That helped me prioritize. If you’re not looking for honors or special programs, Texas has several options that will let you skip essays altogether, making your application process simpler and quicker!
1. Texas State University: Essays are optional for most applicants. If you meet the assured admission criteria (based on class rank and test scores), you typically don't need to submit an essay. I had a friend apply here and she only filled out the main application, no extra writing needed.
2. University of Houston: For most freshman applicants, the essay is optional. They focus on your transcript and test scores (if you submit them). However, if you're borderline for admission or applying to selective programs, submitting an essay can help your case.
3. Sam Houston State University: No required essay for undergraduate admission. Their application is pretty straightforward and quick to complete.
4. University of North Texas: Essays aren't required for general admission. They do recommend submitting one if your academic record needs extra explanation, but it’s not mandatory.
5. Stephen F. Austin State University: No essays are necessary for most freshman applicants. You can just submit the application and transcripts.
A few things to keep in mind: Some scholarships, honors colleges, or competitive programs at these schools may still require separate essays or short answer responses even if the general admission doesn't. It's a good idea to check the scholarship/departmental application sections individually. For example, UH's Honors College and major scholarships require essays.
Even if an essay is optional, submitting one could strengthen your application, especially if you're on the edge academically. But if you're meeting assured admission criteria, it’s not needed.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, start by making a list of which schools require essays for their specific programs or scholarships. That helped me prioritize. If you’re not looking for honors or special programs, Texas has several options that will let you skip essays altogether, making your application process simpler and quicker!
Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating